Rest in peace, Gussie Boy
With tears in my eyes, I share the news that we had to say goodbye to Gus.
Almost 14 years ago, Thomas got Gus as a wee puppy, just weeks before Mazen was born.
He came into my life when Gus (and Mazen) were three.
Gus was the sweetest dog I’ve ever met. He loved everyone and would lean all his weight into them until they petted him.
Gus was especially clingy to me when I was pregnant with Birch. He definitely knew.
And he never minded Birch crawling all over him.
His bark was loud (VERY loud!) every time the doorbell rang, but no matter who was behind the door, he would rush over—usually alarming delivery people—and immediately ask to be petted.
We was also rawhide obsessed!
Grammie loved to bring Gus toys, which he would rip to shreds within minutes. She hunted for indestructible toys too, but he always found a way. Once he learned she was the bringer of toys, he would start going through her bags with his nose when she arrived from NC.
Gus was somewhat famous on our street. When describing where I lived, people would often respond, “Oh, you mean the house with the lab?” Lots of people knew him from his lounging perch next to the back door.
When he was hungry, Gus would leap into the air like a deer. And when he wanted to be let out, he would nudge you with his nose. In his younger years, he would often put only his front paws on your lap in a silly position that was half on, half off the couch.
Gus’s parents were a brown lab and a doodle. He was tall and known for his long doodle legs. He did not, however, inherit the doodle fur. Instead, he had an exotic mutation that caused him to be the sheddiest dog in America. I swear a cloud of fur followed him wherever he went. And if you petted his back, you’d end up with a yarn-sized ball of fur in your hand.
Our invisible fence had been broken for years, but Gus didn’t know it. Until we landscaped the yard and he figured it out. He would go on walkabouts around the neighborhood without us realizing it until a kind neighbor would return him, panting like he’d been on a very long journey. While it wasn’t great that he was on the loose, we secretly loved that he got to explore more of the world in his final year.
In the end, Gus could barely walk. But when the boys and I went over for our final goodbye, he heard our voices, jumped up, and ran out the door, barking in greeting. His love for us was loyal to the very end.
We will all miss him so much.
Shana says
A beautiful memorial of Gus. I am so sorry for your loss–sending warm thoughts to you and the boys.
cyni says
I am so sorry to hear about Gus.
I am sure he couldn’t have asked for a more loving family and he was lucky to have you care for him all those years as I can tell my the posted photos!
I know it is very, very painful to lose a furry family member – hang onto the good memories and I hope they give you some comfort in your grief.
I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Vicki says
Lovely tribute to a beautiful dog.
Kelly says
I’m so sorry. Dogs are such great companions. What a wonderful write about Gus.
Allison says
Actually crying reading this….what a lovely tribute to Gus. Hope your boys and Thomas are doing ok. It really is like losing a (human) family member. RIP good boy
AmyInC'ville says
My heart is breaking for you and your family. I can’t express in words how sorry I am for your loss. It is truly immense. I have enjoyed and delighted in seeing Gus as part of your family over the years, and am so thankful he knew such love and joy throughout his lifetime. Your photographic tribute to him here is such a beautiful memorial – all the moments dogs must dream of during the too-short time they have with us on earth. Thank you for sharing, and please know that I, along with countless other followers here, will be holding you all close in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you healing and eventual peace.
Jen says
I’m so sorry for your loss. They leave such sweet footprints on our hearts. Rest in peace, Gus.
Debbie says
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Gus. I got teary eyed reading your tribute. Anyone who has had a furry family member feels your pain.
Sarah says
This is so sad. He was such a member of the family, and what a year of transition for all of you. I hope all of you are comforted by your memories of your most loyal friend. Good boy, Gus.
Chelsea says
I am so sorry that you, Thomas, and the boys are going through this hard time.
Steph says
I’m so sorry, Kath. What an extraordinary dog he was. I hope you can take some comfort knowing his life was so good, and he was so loved.
Elisabeth says
So sorry to hear that you’ve all lost sweet Gus. Our pets become like beloved family members and I know how hard it is to lose them. Thinking of you and the boys and Thomas. Hugs.
Sarah says
What a beautiful tribute! May you find peace after your loss.
Angie says
Aww he sounds like the best dog. Beautiful story about him. I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
Amanda says
This is such a lovely tribute to the goodest boy! I loved reading about his loyalty, his adventures, and his personality. The time we have with our fur babies is never enough. I’m sorry for your loss.
Kathryn says
Holding you in the light